On Wednesday night, Jayson Tatum delivered a signature performance to steer the Boston Celtics past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-120, in a titanic clash between the No. 1 seeds in each conference.

Tatum was magnificent, pouring in 12 of the Celtics’ 16 points in overtime en route to a season-high 45 points. He shot 13-of-26 from the field, 6-of-11 from three and 13-of-14 from the free-throw line as Boston remained unbeaten at home (18-0)

Jaylen Brown added 35 points and 11 rebounds for Boston, who played without starting center Kristaps Porzingis due to a right knee contusion.

This was the second-straight ovetime game between these two teams, following a 114-109 Wolves win in Minnesota on Nov. 6.

Entering this game, the 28-win Celtics were the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference while the 26-win Timberwolves were the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. 

Karl-Anthony Towns had a valiant effort for an undermanned Wolves team that was playing on the second night of a road back-to-back following yesterday’s win at the Orlando Magic. They were without Rudy Gobert (left hip soreness) and Mike Conley (rest).

Towns registered 25 points and 13 rebounds as he started at the 5 with Gobert’s absence, but star teammate Anthony Edwards committed two crucial turnovers in OT.

Edwards had a decent 29-point game, but this was overshadowed by his two costly mistakes that flipped the momentum to Boston’s favor.

Boston is now 29-8, which is the best record in the NBA. Minnesota drops to 26-11, with only a half-game lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder (25-11) and Denver Nuggets (26-12).